Maria moved a few steps forward as she spoke and snatched up the half-empty glass of prune juice. “This is the proof!” She chuckled coldly when she noticed Lily raise her brow. “What’s wrong? You still won’t admit it? Do you dare say that it’s not juice?“Even if you don’t know about Tasia’s health condition, you shouldn’t have offered juice to someone so fat! Also, I know she must’ve had lunch here since she came in the morning. What did you feed her?” Anastasia dared not say anything as she had eaten some meat. Although Lily told her she could eat them, she tried her best not to eat much and even felt guilty afterward. She suddenly felt overcome with guilt and felt like she had eaten poison after her aunt inquired about it. “I was entertaining my guest. Do I need to report to you?” Lounging in her chair, Lily did not even lift her eyelids.‘If it weren’t for Tasia’s sake, I wouldn’t allow this woman to be so rude! Who is she to make all sorts of accusations against me?’“Yo
Pouting scornfully, she could hardly wait any longer. “Tasia, come on!” ‘Now that the miracle doctor has gotten upset, I’ve got to find a way to persuade him to come back.’“Lily, I’m sorry for what happened today,” Anastasia apologized as she walked away. ‘No matter what, I came as a guest, but my family member brought over someone Lily dislikes and made a scene. This is our fault.’“It’s fine. Remember to come here often, okay?”Nodding, Anastasia looked toward her aunt, who was chattering outside, and turned to leave. Maria was babbling as they entered the car. “Tasia, how could you hang out with that kind of woman? She’s not someone easy to deal with!“I heard she used to have a boyfriend before marrying Alexander, and she ruined that man’s family. Alexander’s uncle also got kicked out of the company and is now suffering in the mountains, thanks to her. And—”“Aunt Maria, where did you hear about these rumors?” Frowning, Anastasia was upset. “They’re rather baseless, do
‘Anastasia’s family might not complain if Lily could improve her health, but they would blame her if she fails.’ Thoughtful for a moment, Lily touched her lips with a finger. “How’s the Rollins’ relationship with their relatives?”“Are you talking about her uncle’s wife, Mrs. Moore?” Alexander caught on to what she was asking. “Ms. Rollins’ mother passed away when she was young, and Secretary Rollins was too busy to look after her. As a little girl, she was often cared for by her uncle and his wife, besides the nanny.“The couple has a daughter too, and the two girls grew up together as companions.” Alexander did not know much, but as he was somewhat close with Cameron, he had learned a thing or two about Cameron’s family. “Then they should be close, shouldn’t they?” Lily asked again.From how Maria reacted today, she felt they were not really on good terms or close with each other.‘If she’s close with Anastasia, why would she call her fat in front of others? Even if that’s th
“What miracle doctor?” Cameron caught on to the vital point and cut Maria off.“Uh…” Maria nearly choked as her outpouring of resentment was interrupted. “He’s Dominic Fike’s secret apprentice.”“Dominic Fike, the famous physician?” Cameron immediately thought of him.“Yes, him! You also tried hiring him, but he retired and hasn’t been around for many years. People even suspect he’s dead, seriously ill, or paralyzed. Anyway, his secret apprentice’s talent caught his attention, and he made an exception to teach him.“He’s also said to be Dominic Fike’s most gifted apprentice. I always wanted to reach him, and it took me a great deal of effort to find out how to contact him—”“Where is he?” Cameron interjected again and looked behind her. He saw Anastasia moving carefully into the house instead.At the mention of this, Maria revealed a sad expression and sighed. “Good question! I worked so hard to engage his service, but Mrs. Russell—”Cameron frowned. “Mrs. Russell?”After getti
Cameron gazed at Anastasia momentarily, released a sad sigh, and slowly sat down. “Tasia, tell me the truth. Have you eaten anything you aren’t supposed to?” From his calm voice, one could tell he was trying his best to control his emotions.Anastasia pursed her lips. “I did eat something, but Lily gave me healthy food. They would strengthen my body and not make me fat. Lily says my basal metabolic rate is high. As long as my food intake is not over it, there will be a calorie deficit, and I’ll then be able to lose weight! Dad, I think it’ll work!”At least she had not felt too hungry after her meal. She used to spend her days in hunger. Due to the strict diet plan, she knew she would eat tomatoes, cucumber, or broccoli and would feel revolted just thinking about them.She dared not tell her father she had thought about ending her life before as it was an agony to suffer like this, especially since she knew her father worried about her.After meeting Lily, she felt the woman had op
Suddenly, Anastasia looked up and said firmly, “Please let me try again! For one last time! Let’s not treat it like I’m trying to lose weight or think about how much I have to lose. I can’t get any worse now. Please let me do what I want for once. I was genuinely happy around Lily, and I feel she won’t cause me harm!”Cameron was somewhat astonished. His daughter’s beautiful eyes were full of determination. It had been such a long time since he had seen such a glow in her eyes. He was moved despite himself and was somewhat swayed. “Tasia…”“Dad, I know you mean well, but I’m sick of eating tomatoes and cucumbers. You don’t know this, but I threw up many times before. Still, I did try to obey you!”Tears streamed down as she continued, “I want to slim down and have a nice body too. I want to wear beautiful dresses and dance, but I’ve tried everything! Or do you think I should go for a gastrectomy? Even if I were to have the surgery, please let me try Lily’s method for the last time!”
Now that she had her father’s permission, Anastasia happily prepared to go out the next day. She hadn’t told Lily about it yet. She planned to tell her the good news in person and have her meal at Lily’s house today. She even started to wonder what delicious food would be served.Just as she was about to leave, she saw Fabian Moore enter carrying two huge shopping bags and was alarmed.She worried that her aunt had not given up and had made him come over to persuade her father. ‘If he succeeds in swaying my father, then…’"Tasia, are you going out?” Fabian saw her and asked. “Yes, Uncle Fabian, you’re here to…” She saw him carrying so much stuff and knew he was up to something. Fabian chuckled. “I’m here to talk to your father about something. Is he home?”‘I’ve guessed correctly!’Anastasia blurted out, “My father’s not around—”Before she finished, Cameron’s voice came from behind her, “What’s the matter?”Fabian was puzzled. ‘Didn’t Tasia say he’s not home?’He brushed
Anastasia was afraid to pick up his call before this. She also hardly went out and often distanced herself from everyone else. Seeing her in that state made Cameron feel worried and helpless. He was at a loss as a parent to connect with his daughter, who had never known a mother. He had learned in the military that only a stern leader could train a disciplined army, and he believed the same was true for raising obedient children. He then demanded that she follow the rules as if they were in the army. Anastasia did become obedient, but overly so. She looked at him in fear and would even tremble upon hearing his voice. That was not what he wanted, but he did not know how to make a change.Then something happened. When Alexander dropped by yesterday afternoon, they chatted for a while. Cameron rather admired the young man. Smart, driven, and resourceful yet principled, Alexander possessed qualities rarely found among businessmen nowadays. Despite Cameron’s stature, Alexander did